I really like the white chairs with the metal cross over and wooden legs. You put some on a post together with bar stools to match just recently. Would luv some of these. Luv the whole look of wood and white or soft blue, calming, uncluttered, and simple beauty. I wouldn't mind some ideas on helping open airy and large spaces look a little more cosy tho', without moving away from the general feel, just adding a little bit of cosy. I'll be working on this one over the next few years for sure.

The timber island coming off the kitchen bench!

I love our island bench in the mornings - I have 4 kids, 3 of which are teenagers, and the morning rush to get out to school is chaotic. The kids all come through to the kitchen at different times for their breakfast, which I have set up on the bench, and they can just grab what they want, sit on a barstool and gobble it quick. Then it's just the kitchen bench that needs a good clean after breakfast. don't have to worry with the dining table. Evening meals are a different story though, I believe families should sit down together at the dining room table.

I am blown away from down under by the help that you all have freely given .... thank you sooo much indeed. who would have thought after a year of anguish that I would be put out of my misery! If I do go for the atlantic for chairs I will bring in plum touches and vice versa. Will now need to go and find some plum that closely aligns with your suggestions. Thanks for saying we can keep table! It is a good solid NZ made oak one ... chairs were all the rage back about 18 years ago! Now need to go! I will put up a pic of a rug that was quite nice but rather expensive so ... might be in an hour or so. Thank you so much again.